The Village of Orland Park's Water Conservation Program is in effect year-round. From May 15 through September 15, outdoor water may be used from 7 to 11, both a.m. and p.m, according to the odd/even address system.

All outdoor water usagelawn sprinkling, washing cars, watering flowers, etc.is limited according to the address of the building, both business and residential.

"The village's water conservation program is a necessary part of managing the Lake Michigan Water that we receive from the City of Chicago via the Village of Oak Lawn," said Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin.

Homes and businesses with addresses ending in 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8, may sprinkle between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. or 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. on even-numbered days only.

Homes and businesses with addresses ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 may sprinkle between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. on odd-numbered days only.

Regulated outdoor water use includes, but is not limited to all lawn and garden sprinkling by hose-fed sprinklers or underground irrigation systems for residential and commercial properties, all non-commercial car washing, residential pool maintenance and other similar uses.

"Following the village's water conservation guidelines is not only good for the environment, it's a public safety issue," said Trustee Mike Carroll, chair of the village's Public Works Department. "We want to be sure that firefighters have access to plenty of water should there be a fire on a hot summer day. It's that important."

According to the University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Services, lawns are equipped for hot, dry conditions. Instead of wilting and dying like many plants, they simply go dormant if they've been established for a year.

In general, cool-season grasses need about one inch of water per week to maintain green color and active growth.

Those violating the village's water usage provisions are subject to fines of $750 for each offense. Each day of violation and each violating location shall be considered a separate offense.

"Most residents and businesses follow the restrictions," said Director of Public Works John Ingram. "Each year, we issue our reminders letting people know that we have specific hours for outdoor water usage."

The Village of Orland Park provides water to more than 22,000 homes and businesses which use an average of 6.5 million gallons of water every day. Consumption can reach as high as 17 million gallons during peak days in the summer.

Because of the dramatic rise in consumption during the warm summer months, it is critical that adequate storage be maintained to ensure safe drinking water and emergency capabilities.

Changing weather conditions may require additional conservation measures. Residents will be notified of any adjustments to the conservation hours.

For more information, call the Public Works Department at 708/ 403-6350.